What is a naturopathic consultation?

Often during the initial visits and consultations, your naturopathic doctor will discuss with you a detailed history of your current and past health concerns, a naturopath will then conduct a physical exam and order laboratory tests to make an assessment and diagnosis in order to get to the root cause of the ailment. There are a number of things that your doctor will go over during your visit. Naturopathic visits involve a much more comprehensive approach when gathering information. The naturopathic intake may include questions about your bowel movements to quality of sleep and even your emotional health.

What happens at a naturopathic appointment?

We encourage patients to be fully open and honest during the intake process – this will ensure the doctor will understand you better, and make better recommendations for your personal treatment plan. In our clinic, you would never be judged, criticized or ridiculed for anything you say to our doctors or staff. Once the doctor feels enough information has been obtained, you will get his first clinical impressions of the case, and how he would like to approach your specific situation. It may be necessary to order more lab work at this point and the doctor will discuss your options to go about getting the appropriate lab testing done. Finally, your doctor will provide an overview assessment of your health and together you will discuss suggested recommendations based on a generalized treatment plan. This may include dietary modifications, lifestyle factors, herbs and/or other supplements. While sometimes comprehensive treatment regimens depend on lab results being in, the doctor will usually get you started on a plan to get you feeling better right away.

how long is a naturopathic consultation?

Typically the first visit with a naturopathic doctor involves a comprehensive intake, a focused physical exam and a brief discussion of a generalized plan and direction of treatment. First visits usually last about 60-90 minutes to complete. Second visits are shorter than initials visits and typically last about 40-45 minutes. Second visits may involve a review of lab work, discussion of specific treatment and more physical exams if needed. Depending on the individual treatment plan, patients may be required to come in for 30 or 45 minute follow ups anywhere from once a week to once a month. For example acupuncture treatments may require patients to come in once a week for 6-8 weeks.

what does a naturopath treat?

Naturopathic doctors aim to teach the individual to take care of their own health and the health of their family holistically , this includes minimizing and often eradicating symptoms of any illness, encouraging the body's capacity to heal itself, as well as balancing the body as a whole so that illness and injury is less likely to happen in the future. A range of therapies are used to support the person and their health conditions. Read more about our naturopathic services HERE.

How often should i see my naturopath?

Follow up visits are recommended for anywhere from 2-4 weeks after the initial visit. These visits are shorter and meant to check in and monitor progress.

During follow up consultations, the naturopathic doctor will assess:

• How you have been feeling since the previous visit

• How things might have changed with the treatment plan

• What symptoms are better, which are worse, if there are any new symptoms, and which are unchanged

• What alterations need to be made to the treatment plan

what are the benefits of seeing a naturopath?

Naturopathic Doctors are recognized as primary care practitioners and as such, see a wide variety of patients of all different ages similar to family medical doctors. ND’s are able to treat a range of conditions from acute conditions such as acid reflux or chronic conditions such as heart disease and arthritis. Patients that choose to have a medical doctor as their primary healthcare professional can use naturopathic care to provide adjunct or complementary care.

The naturopathic practitioner-patient relationship is quite different than a conventional medical doctor-patient relationship. Naturopathic doctors spend significant amounts of time with their patients getting to know various aspects of their life including their health, their support system, their environment, etc. The determinants of health and obstacles to cure become well known by the naturopathic doctor. Therefore, recommendations are focused on addressing the root cause of the patient’s troubles taking all these aspects into consideration.

ND’s believe it is important to spend the time to listen to each patient to discover what makes them unique and then educate them in healthy lifestyle choices. This means that patient’s walk away from each visit with a sense of satisfaction of being heard. Patients develop deep relationships with their naturopathic doctor that provide the basis for long lasting vitality. Ultimately the patient becomes empowered and plays an active role in the maintenance of their own health and the naturopathic doctor serves as a mentor, teacher and guide that the patient can turn to in times of need.

who benefits from naturopathic medicine?

Due to the philosophical and theoretical approach to illness and wellness practiced by naturopathic doctors, many patients are turning to naturopathic healthcare as an alternative to the conventional medical system. There are typically three kinds of patients that seek naturopathic healthcare:

1. Patients that have a range of symptoms that they have been unable to address on their own or with the help of other medical practitioners

2. Patients that have been diagnosed with an illness and are looking for alternative treatments or new perspectives on their health

3. Patients that are looking for disease prevention and health promotion strategies

In recent years there has been an increase in patients with chronic health conditions seeking naturopathic care.

Are naturopathic appointments covered by insurance?

The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) does NOT cover naturopathic services or labs requested by a naturopathic practitioner. However, naturopathic services may be covered by other government sponsored or private supplementary health insurance companies such as Alberta Blue Cross, Canada Life, Manulife, Sun Life Financial and many more. For a list of health insurance companies that cover naturopathic services, and to see if direct billing is available CLICK HERE. Most extended health insurance plans have yearly coverage, so be sure to ask your insurance company if you are covered.

Nova Naturopathic Clinic is located at Unit 208, 6707 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2V 0E4, and we are open for you Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm. CALL US today at (587) 391-5753 to learn everything else we can tell you about Naturopathic Consultations and Appointments, the benefits, and how we can help you with your overall wellness. You can also CALL US to BOOK AN APPOINTMENT with us, or you can BOOK ONLINE. We hope to hear from you soon!